Another spell has been cast, and the ever-growing cast of HBO‘s Harry Potter series just got a little more magical with the following casting announcements. This morning, it was announced that Johnny Flynn will join the series as Lucius Malfoy, alongside Lox Pratt, who will play his son, Draco Malfoy. Seven more actors were confirmed today: Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley; Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Harry’s aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley; Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge; and Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.

While details about their version of the characters are still being kept under wraps, we can expect that it’ll be a faithful but fresh take on the characters. One of the benefits of the books being adapted for television is that fans can expect the series to dive deeper into the nuances of each role, and if past casting announcements are any indication, the creative team is placing a high premium on both talent and authenticity.

Dominic McLaughlin will lead the story as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout playing Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively. The three were picked following a mind-boggling 32,000 auditions from the best British kids who all tried for the coveted roles that might define their entire careesr. In an official statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod had high praise for their young leads — hinting at more exciting additions to come:

“The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”

Who Else Is in the ‘Harry Potter’ Series?

The nine newcomers join a stacked cast already brimming with talent. John Lithgow (Conclave) is set to take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu (Black Doves) will bring the antagonism as the mysterious Potions Master Severus Snape. Janet McTeer (Me Before You) steps into the shoes of Professor McGonagall, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) has been cast as the beloved half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. Also aboard are Paul Whitehouse (The Change) as the cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch and Luke Thallon (The Favourite) as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell.

HBO hasn’t yet announced a release date for the series, but production is set to begin in England later this summer. The original films are available to stream now on HBO Max.

via Collider